The Public Servants Association (PSA) has urged the Limpopo Department of Education to investigate the cause of the fire that destroyed the office block at Mohlatlego Machaba Secondary School and the school’s essential assets.
Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba confirmed that the incident occurred in Mopani West District, on Saturday, July 20, when a security guard staying next to the school saw fire next to an administration office.
Ledwaba said the security officer went to check and discovered a big Tractor-Loader-Backhoe (TLB) tyre had been burnt and that the water tank was also damaged.
“Upon further observation, he noticed that there was no fire,” Ledwaba said. There was smoke and the security guard left.
He said that the security officer then reported for duty around 6pm and found everything in order.
“On Saturday at about 4am while busy conducting patrol duties he suddenly noticed a bunch of firewood next to the administration block that caught fire.”
Ledwaba said firefighters were called to the scene and managed to extinguish the blaze. However, the entire building, including the roof, had already been reduced to ashes and collapsed inside.
A case was opened at the Tzaneen police station to investigate the cause of the fire.
The PSA’s spokesperson John Teffo said despite the firefighters efforts to salvage the office block, the entire building, including the roof, was destroyed.
“The School lost everything, including learners’ personal files, computers, printers, and photocopiers that were kept in the office.
“In addition, some financial records and learning and teaching materials were also destroyed,” Teffo said.
The incident occurred while the school was on a recruitment process aimed to fill promotional positions, potentially leading to delays in the process.
In addition, Teffo was also concerned that the Department of Education in the province is still grappling with challenges including a backlog in infrastructure development, where many schools lack adequate office blocks and classrooms, leading to overcrowding.
“The eradication of pit toilets remains a challenge. Limpopo cannot afford to lose buildings and resources that are already inadequate,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of employees and buildings to maintain continuous service delivery to the residents.
“Safety measures at government buildings, including schools, remain crucial and collaboration between departments can save the government vast amounts for replacing equipment and repairing damaged buildings.”
“Simple safety practices such as storing wood far from buildings, maintaining the grounds, maintaining, and servicing air conditioners, and having functional health and safety committees, will assist in curbing such incidents.”
Teffo has urged the department to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the fire.
“We urge the department to swiftly replace lost equipment to avoid disruptions in teaching and learning.
“The Department must further work with the Department of Public Works to conduct a full audit on the safety of buildings, especially in respect of fire risks,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mosebjane Kgaffe, acting spokesperson for the Limpopo Department of Education, told IOL News that investigations are currently ongoing to determine the cause of the fire, and they will provide an update once the investigation is concluded.
IOL